If youโve walked, biked, or jogged along the Beltline recently, you may have noticed some new faces in uniform. Last week, Atlanta Beltline launched its first-ever Ambassador Programโa team of friendly, well-informed guides stationed along the Eastside and Westside Trails to offer help, answer questions, and keep an eye out for any maintenance needs.
Think of them as neighbors with name badgesโfolks who are there to say hello, lend a hand, and make your experience on the Beltline even better.
For now, the team of six ambassadors, two team leads, and one operations manager is focusing on two of the busiest and most beloved trail sections: the Eastside Trail from 10th & Monroe to DeKalb Avenue, and the Westside to Southwest Trail from Lawton Street to I-75. Theyโll expand to the Westside Connector Trail next year, just in time for the FIFA World Cup 26โข and the thousands of visitors it will bring to our city.
โThe Atlanta Beltline has always been about building stronger communities,โ said Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. โThis new Ambassador Program brings that mission to life in a personal and visible way. These ambassadors are our connection to the people who use the trail every dayโtheyโll help us stay responsive, accessible, and grounded in the needs of our neighborhoods.โ
The ambassadors are easy to spot in their branded shirts and friendly demeanor. Theyโre trained to do more than just smileโthey report trail issues, pass along suggestions from residents, and help make sure the Beltline remains clean, safe, and welcoming to everyone.
“This program is a big step toward making sure weโre not just building great infrastructure, but taking care of it every day,” said Dave Pierce, Vice President of Real Estate and Asset Management at Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “Itโs about being good stewards of our spacesโand good partners to our communities.”
The Beltline Ambassadors will also work hand-in-hand with the Atlanta Police Departmentโs Path Force Unit, which has helped keep trails and nearby parks safe since 2013. Together, they form a visible and supportive presence on the trails, from sunrise strolls to evening bike rides.
The program is managed by Block by Block, a national organization with years of experience running successful ambassador programs in public spaces across the country. Their team has already started gathering feedback and making adjustments based on what they hear from Atlantans on the trail.
โWeโve seen this work in so many cities,โ said John Koch, Divisional Vice President at Block by Block. โBut every community is different. Weโre here to listen and grow the program in a way that works for Atlanta.โ
So next time you’re out on the trail, donโt be surprised if someone in a bright shirt waves hello or asks how your walk is going. Thatโs your Beltline ambassadorโready to connect, support, and help make your Beltline experience the best it can be.